The New York Police Department is stepping up security for the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, with extra bomb-sniffing dogs, snipers and officers. The NYPD is also closing the area's parking garages and allowing in only authorized trucks. Officials said that there's no credible threat but that recent attacks made the precautions necessary. [The Wall Street Journal]

The number of chain stores in the city grew by 1.8% during 2017, more than in 2016 and 2015, according to the Center for an Urban Future, a think tank. Dunkin' Donuts was the largest retailer for the 10th straight year, opening 16 new locations. But some, including Duane Reade and Radio Shack, saw their footprints shrink. [Crain’s New York Business]

Bronx blaze deadliest in city in quarter-century

A blaze last night in the Bronx's Belmont neighborhood killed at least 12 people and critically injured four. It was the city's deadliest fire in more than 25 years. More than 160 firefighters responded to the blaze at the five-story apartment building at 2363 Prospect Ave., which winds helped spread rapidly from the first floor up. [The New York Times]

Building costs for NY transit among world's highest

Construction costs for major New York-area transportation projects—including the Second Avenue subway and a tunnel to connect Grand Central Terminal and the Long Island Rail Road—run much higher than the average for such initiatives worldwide. At the same time, transportation agencies have cut back on maintenance. [The New York Times]

Subway station agents' roles reimagined

Forty of the subway's remaining 2,660 station agents are participating in a one-year pilot program designed to retrain them for roles outside the booth, including dealing with sick passengers. A new fare system expected within the next few years will render many of the agents' current duties obsolete. [The New York Times]

NY aims to end 'lunch shaming' with new proposals

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is introducing an initiative designed to curb the stigma students sometimes face when receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Cuomo's proposals include a requirement that schools with more than 70% of pupils eligible for such breakfasts serve them after the school day has started rather than before. [Daily News]

Now's the time to give to the charity of your choice: op-ed

New federal caps on tax deductions are a compelling reason for New Yorkers to make charitable contributions in these last days of 2017, according to a Crain’s op-ed from Jane Wilton, general counsel of the New York Community Trust. Residents who can should also consider rolling over money from an IRA to charities. [Crain’s New York Business]

Giants tap Gettleman as general manager

The New York Giants have hired Dave Gettleman as general manager. Gettleman worked in the Giants' front office for 15 years as a scout, personnel director and analyst, before going with the Carolina Panthers in 2013. He replaces Jerry Reese, who was fired this month. [Sports Illustrated]

De Blasio's second inauguration expected to be muted

Mayor Bill de Blasio's second inauguration, scheduled for Monday, is expected to draw half of the 5,000 spectators the first one did in 2014. What's more, several prominent figures—including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg—are not attending. [The Wall Street Journal]

Hamilton continues to rise up with new record

The smash musical Hamilton took in $3.8 million in ticket sales for the week ended Dec. 24, a record for Broadway, according to the Broadway League. The show, which debuted in 2015, had set the previous all-time high of $3.45 million earlier this year. [The Wall Street Journal]

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